Cosmopolitan Virtual Makeover 2002

The best part of this program by far is playing with hairstyles--there are hundreds of styles in just as many colors. While some of the styles are decidedly awful, many are acceptable and even cute. There are some styles that might be suitable for men, but only if the guy wants to look like a member of the Strokes. The makeup section is clunkier to use and slightly less practical--we found it hard to make any of the makeup choices look natural.

It should also be pointed out that most of this program seems to be paid for by sponsors, so your choices for, say, jewelry, are limited to the one company that wanted to pay for placement. Incidentally, the box is loaded with so many coupons, flyers, and ads that you might wonder why you're even paying for the product at all.

Though we had a few doubts, we really enjoyed using Cosmopolitan Virtual Makeover 2002, and decided that we should never, ever get bangs. Click on "See more pictures" to see how we fared with the software. --Ara Jane Olufson

Amazon.com Product Description
Create a fabulous new look, with just a click. Try on hundreds of new looks, without risk, with Cosmopolitan Virtual Makeover 2002. With Cosmo and your computer you can create a more beautiful you within minutes of loading your photo into the software. From a new hairstyle to adding a beauty mark--it's that easy.

Featuring beauty advice with a fun, irreverent tone, sit back and visualize that hot new makeover you've been dreaming about, but were always afraid to try. See how you look with more than 350 hairstyles in 30 different shades. Make a 3-D image of yourself and experiment with 600 cosmetics and 400 accessories. Find clothing styles that show off your figure and improve your fashion sense with tips from the experts at Cosmopolitan. Includes free multi-stick lips, cheeks, and eye pencil.